Neurosurgeon Carson has cancer, will have surgery

Dr. Benjamin Carson, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, will undergo surgery for prostate cancer next month.

Saying he wanted to put to rest rumors about his health, the 50-year-old Carson confirmed his illness in a letter to colleagues that was posted on the Hopkins computer system last night:

"I am going to be taken care of right here at Johns Hopkins, which is the best place in the world for this diagnosis, and I anticipate a full and complete recovery," he said.

FOR THE RECORD - Dr. Patrick Walsh, chief of urology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, will handle the prostate cancer treatment of Dr. Benjamin Carson, chief of pediatric neurosurgery. Because of an editing error, an article in yesterday's editions of The Sun misstated Walsh's role.The Sun regrets the error.

As a surgeon, Carson is widely known for tackling difficult cases such as epilepsy, cancer and cranial and facial deformities. He also has separated conjoined twins and performed hemispherectomies - procedures in which half a child's brain is removed to treat severe seizures.

Carson, who grew up in a poor family in Detroit, has published three books about his life and spoken extensively to children about the value of education.

Carson will soon reduce his schedule, in anticipation of the surgery. "He expects to resume a full schedule sometime in September," a spokesman said. In the interim, his cases will be handled by Dr. Patrick Walsh.

Patients of Carson who are seeking more information may call 410-614-3265.